Craftsman homes stand as monuments to thoughtful design and natural beauty. Their signature elements—handcrafted woodwork, built-ins, exposed beams, and welcoming front porches—celebrate the artistry of human hands and connection to natural materials. These architectural treasures offer a perfect blend of beauty and function, with every detail purposefully designed for both visual appeal and practical use.
At Lamont Bros, we remodel homes all across the Pacific Northwest, including many magnificent Craftsman residences. As a design-build firm, we bring comprehensive insight into both the aesthetic considerations and structural requirements of Craftsman home renovations. Our experience has taught us that while these homes have extraordinary bones, they also present unique challenges when updating for contemporary living.
Craftsman homes—often built between 1905 and 1935—were designed for beauty, durability, and practicality. When it comes to remodeling them, the goal is usually to maintain that heritage while updating form and function. Below is a snapshot of what makes remodeling a Craftsman home distinct:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Age | 90–120 years |
| Common Remodel Projects | Kitchen updates, bathroom expansion, basement/attic conversions, additions |
| Architectural Details to Preserve | Box beam ceilings, built-ins, woodwork, exterior brackets, tapered columns |
| Design Challenges | Matching original materials, integrating modern systems invisibly |
| Portland-Specific Concerns | Historic district review, seismic upgrades, moisture control |
Original Craftsman kitchens were utilitarian spaces with minimal storage and counter space, often separate from the main living areas.
Popular Kitchen Updates:
Opening kitchen to dining room while preserving architectural transitions
Creating more counter space and storage
Incorporating islands that complement the home's style
Installing period-appropriate cabinetry with modern functionality
Preserving or recreating butler's pantries
Design Tip: Quarter-sawn oak or fir cabinetry, simple mission-style hardware, subway tile, and soapstone or wood countertops all honor Craftsman aesthetics while providing modern functionality.
People often remodel the kitchen in their Craftsman home. To learn more about what your kitchen remodel might cost, visit our Kitchen Remodeling Cost Calculator.
View this custom Craftsman home portfolio
Craftsman homes typically had limited bathroom facilities with basic fixtures.
Popular Bathroom Updates:
Adding master bathrooms in homes with shared baths
Expanding existing bathrooms
Converting small bedrooms to bathrooms
Installing period-appropriate fixtures and tile
Adding modern conveniences while maintaining vintage charm
Design Tip: Pedestal sinks, clawfoot tubs, hex tile floors, subway wall tile, and traditional fixtures maintain the Craftsman aesthetic while providing modern comfort.
People often remodel the bathroom in their Craftsman home. To explore expected costs, visit our Bathroom Remodeling Cost Calculator.
The hallmark of Craftsman homes is their exceptional woodwork, which often needs attention after decades of wear or inappropriate updates.
Popular Woodwork Projects:
Refinishing built-in cabinetry and bookcases
Stripping paint from previously painted woodwork
Repairing damaged wood paneling and trim
Restoring box beam ceilings and wainscoting
Recreating missing architectural elements
Design Tip: When stripping paint, use chemical strippers designed for historic homes and test in inconspicuous areas first. The effort to restore original woodwork typically yields extraordinary returns in both aesthetics and home value.
See how we transformed this Craftsman home
Many Craftsman homes have unfinished or underutilized spaces that can be transformed.
Popular Space-Gaining Projects:
Finishing attics as master suites or bonus rooms
Converting basements to living areas
Creating home offices in original small bedrooms
Transforming sleeping porches into usable year-round spaces
Adding thoughtful additions that respect original architecture
Design Tip: When designing additions, respect the proportions, rooflines, and materials of the original home. A good addition should look like it could have always been there.
For more on project costs, explore our Basement Remodel Cost Calculator.
Many Craftsman homes need foundational work due to their age.
Common Structural Projects:
Foundation repair or replacement
Seismic retrofitting for earthquake protection
Floor leveling and joist reinforcement
Addressing settlement issues
Repairing water or pest damage to framing
Design Tip: Foundation work provides an opportunity to increase basement ceiling height and improve drainage around the perimeter of your home.
The mechanical systems in century-old Craftsman homes typically need comprehensive updating.
Common System Projects:
Replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern electrical
Upgrading electrical panel capacity
Replacing old plumbing pipes
Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems
Adding proper insulation without damaging original walls
Design Tip: Consider energy efficiency upgrades that preserve original features, such as weatherstripping original windows rather than replacing them.
Craftsman homes are easily recognized by their front-facing gables, overhanging eaves, tapered porch columns, and deep rooflines.
Exterior Restoration Priorities:
Roof replacement for complex gable designs
Porch restoration, including columns and railings
Repairing decorative brackets and exposed rafters
Preserving original wood siding and shingles
Window restoration to maintain divided light patterns and wood frames
As more homeowners plan to age in place, it's important to make Craftsman homes accessible while maintaining their original charm.
Popular Aging-in-Place Upgrades:
Main-floor bedroom and bathroom conversions
Widening doorways to allow mobility devices
Installing curbless showers and grab bars
Lever-style handles on doors and faucets
Smart lighting and voice-controlled systems for ease of use
Craftsman homes' typically solid construction and natural materials offer a great base for long-term adaptability with a respectful approach.
Remodeling costs for Craftsman homes in Portland are affected by the age of the home, craftsmanship requirements, and local regulatory factors.
Woodwork refinishing: $10,000–$30,000+
Custom millwork: 2–3x cost of standard trim
Built-in cabinetry restoration: $5,000–$15,000
Foundation repairs: $8,000–$50,000
Seismic retrofitting: $5,000–$15,000
Floor joist repairs: $3,000–$10,000
Bathroom renovation: $15,000–$35,000
Basement remodel: $35,000–$75,000
Many Portland Craftsman homes are located in historic or conservation districts. Always confirm your home’s status in the Portland Historic Resources Inventory before beginning your project.
Portland’s wet weather poses unique challenges:
Proper roof detailing and flashing
Drainage and moisture control in basements
Careful selection of siding materials for durability
Window preservation and rot mitigation
Portland offers strong support for period-accurate remodeling:
Experienced design-build remodelers
Salvage yards like Rebuilding Center and Salvage Works
Preservation guidance from Restore Oregon
Remodeling typically requires:
Building permits for structural changes
Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
Energy code compliance for insulation and windows
Historic design review, if applicable
Craftsman home remodeling requires a sensitive balance of preservation and modernization. When done thoughtfully, the result is a home that serves today’s needs while honoring the past. These beautiful homes deserve renovations that celebrate their craftsmanship, maintain their character, and ensure they continue to inspire for generations to come.
Would you like to discuss how to approach your specific Craftsman remodel? Schedule a conversation with our team to explore possibilities tailored to your home's unique character.
Q1: How do I know if my Craftsman home is in a historic district?
Start by searching the Portland Historic Resources Inventory or contacting the city’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability for guidance.
Q2: What’s the best way to modernize my Craftsman kitchen without losing its charm?
Focus on natural materials like wood and stone, concealed modern appliances, and cabinetry designs that reflect early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Q3: Can I add modern design elements (like black fixtures or open shelving) to a Craftsman interior?
Yes—modern elements can be blended thoughtfully. The key is maintaining balance with existing woodwork and trim profiles to avoid visual dissonance.
Q4: Are there financial incentives for restoring a historic Craftsman home?
Depending on the scope, you may qualify for tax credits or grants through Oregon SHPO or local preservation organizations.
Q5: What are the most common mistakes in Craftsman remodeling?
Removing original woodwork, replacing divided-light windows with modern vinyl, and creating overly open floor plans that disregard room transitions.